Play Nicely At Lokomotiv Museum
In late July the Russian Football Premier League launched a new project called #ИграйКрасиво (#PlayNicely) that challenges the fans to repeat the players’ spectacular feints. It explains why one of the first players to record a video was Alexey Miranchuk, probably the League’s most technically well-equipped player. Alexey offered his virtual vis-a-vis to kick the ball into the basket from the distance of several metres - a difficult task even for a pro.
- I was lucky with the third attempt, - says Alexey. - I didn’t expect it myself and warned the TV crew it might take long. I have never performed such tricks even in my childhood. I watched the videos the fans sent in later, somebody did it in style better than me. Somebody sent it even into a basketball hoop.
The viral video immediately had its effect. The lucky winner would go on an individual tour around the Lokomotiv museum led by Miss Lokomotiv Yelizaveta Belyaeva. She chose Artyom Osetrov - Liza thought his attempt to repeat Miranchuk’s feint was the best.
The excursion was out of the ordinary. Liza and Artyom were joined by Alexey Miranchuk himself who had something for the museum - the midfielder’s boots are now the new exhibit. These are the boots he used to score the winner against Kuban in the Russian Cup Final.
- It is my second time here and again the reason is solemn. Last time we installed the Russian Cup, now my boots. Did I feel hard to spare them? I did, I could use them more, - laughs Alexey. - But for that matter I agreed, with tears in my eyes. The feeling is great, I hope I will have a reason to bring something else. It was nice to listen to Liza. I learned a lot about Lokomotiv’s history.
- I prepared really hard and went through it mentally several times, - Liza shares the secret of success. - I was a bit nervous, I was entrusted with such a mission. Alexey was here, and I liked everything.
The project #ИграйКрасиво (#PlayNicely) continues and that means other Lokomotiv players also have a chance to take part, and the fans can win prizes. Miranchuk is sure his teammates can boast even greater feints.
- We have a lot of techs in the team. If you ask them they will send the ball into the hoop, into the crossbar - anything!
